A new business agenda

Monday 22 February 2010

Monday 22 February 2010, 09.00 – 12.10

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 

Chartered Accountants’ Hall,

 Moorgate Place,

 London, EC2R 6EA

Reform is delighted to announce its pre-election business policy summit.  The best way for government to help business is now a defining policy issue.  The Government’s objective is an active industrial policy that supports high value-added businesses but does not “pick winners”.  The Opposition has launched a taskforce to set out ways to make the UK the leading high-tech exporter in Europe. There is tremendous interest in the new sectors that will return the economy to the trend rate of growth. 

The event will bring together business leaders, economists, policy makers, and political commentators to discuss how the UK economy can achieve a faster rate of growth and create a more competitive business environment.

08.30 – 09.00 Tea and coffee

09.00 – 09.05 Welcome and introduction

• Andrew Haldenby, Director of Reform

09.05 – 10.00 The future of the UK economy – should Government decide?

What is the UK’s comparative advantage?  Government ministers and economists have called for an active industrial policy to support the rise of new skills and new industries, for a greener, more sustainable economy. Which sectors will drive the next period of growth and what role does the State have in shaping the UK economy?

• Jeremy Browne MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
• Damian Reece, Head of Business, Telegraph Media Group
• Stuart Fraser, Policy Chairman, City of London
• Mark Elborne, CEO and President, GE UK

10.00 – 10.55 Competition and regulation

The global economy is now more competitive, but barriers to new entrants and enterprise in the UK economy remain high. Is the regulatory framework fit for purpose? Can regulators do more to stimulate competition and higher growth? 

• Jonathan Djanogly MP, Shadow Minister for Corporate Governance and Solicitor General
• John Fingleton, Chief Executive, Office of Fair Trading
• Ed Richards, Chief Executive, Ofcom
• Martin Hagen FCA, President, ICAEW

10.55 – 11.15 Coffee

11.15 – 12.05 A competitive business environment

There is a now a widespread concern among business leaders about the UK’s business environment. Frequent and ad hoc changes in the tax system have undermined the UK’s competitiveness, with tax rates and tax regulations cited as the two most serious problems to doing business in the UK.

• Greg Hands MP, Shadow Treasury Minister
• Gordon Wilson, Deputy CEO, Travelport
• Peter Vipond, Director of Financial Regulation and Taxation, Association of British Insurers

12.05 – 12.50 Keynote speech by Ian Lucas MP, Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform

Ian Lucas MP, Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform will set out his thoughts on a “new business agenda”, discussing what the role of business policy, improving the UK’s business environment, how to stimulate competition and encouraging new economic growth.

12.50 – 12.55 Closing remarks

Tickets are priced at £200 per person. To reserve your place or for more information please contact Thomas Cawston at thomas.cawston@reform.co.uk or on 020 7799 6699.